From a prison cell, serial sex killer Paul Bernardo has charmed and manipulated an attractive, university-educated woman into planning to marry him, the Toronto Sun has learned.
The 30-year-old London, Ont., woman admitted she has been writing letters to the Scarborough Rapist, telling friends the schoolgirl killer is “innocent” and was a bystander to the rapes and torture slayings of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
Sporting a recent ankle tattoo that says “Paul’s girl” in cursive writing, she has been corresponding with Bernardo since last fall.
But with the relationship now coming to light, the woman said she “did something that got people upset and she is rethinking ... and struggling with it.”
The bride-to-be told friends she has wedding bands and described her “Paul” as someone who’s serving time “for the most horrible crimes you could imagine.
“He is a kind man, a Christian, a very nice man,” she told the Sun.
A friend quoted her as saying: “He told her not to tell her parents until after they were married.”
In an interview, the blonde deflected question after question about marrying Bernardo, but never indicated she didn’t want to wed him or that the wedding plans were off.
An independent source confirmed the woman, whom the Sun has decided not to identify at this time, took steps to advance a plan to wed Bernardo.
However, her parents insisted their daughter is reconsidering the decision as “reality has set in.
“She said Bernardo called her ‘the most beautiful woman in the world,’ ” her father said.
When asked how the sex killer could manipulate her into a relationship, he said: “She has had a number of bad relationships that undermined her self-esteem despite her brilliance. She is looking for someone who will love her unconditionally.”​
Her father agreed the woman’s intelligence, emotional fragility and belief in her own street smarts made her the perfect victim for Bernardo.
He said his daughter also believed in Bernardo’s innocence.
“He has convinced her that he didn’t do this (rapes or murders). But, after the conversation last week, I think she has changed her mind.”
The family is hoping that she has abandoned the ill-conceived plan.
“It was very easy for him to get her locked into a train of thought. I’ve been very explicit that he actually did these things and reality sunk in this last week in a big way,” the father said.
“I am getting the feeling that from the way she was defending him in the beginning that now reality has finally kicked in and she realizes, ‘What have I got myself into?’ ” he said.
“I mean, to the point, she’s desperate to get a job today because she’s afraid of what this news would do.
“I told her the media have something that indicates (you are planning to marry him) and she says, ‘Well, he doesn’t get out for three more years (2018, first eligibility for parole).’ I bluntly told her, ‘Dear, he’s never going to get out.’ ”
Describing his daughter as “brilliant but psychologically and emotionally fragile and lacking in street smarts,” the father said she replied that Bernardo’s “a Canadian citizen and is applying as a right to get out on full parole.
“She totally denied planning to marry him,” said the father, who was interviewed several times last week.
He and his wife confronted their daughter in January or February this year after learning she had been writing letters to Bernardo in order to “research” a book.
“Her mom said, ‘Don’t you even write him because everything you write is documented. Nothing goes through (undetected) and you don’t want to be even known as anyone who has even written to this person,’ ” the father said. “We believed that was the end of it.”
The woman described asking her pastor about forgiveness, referring to Bernardo without naming him.
She quoted the pastor as saying, “It is not for another person to judge his brother.
“And I said, ‘But what about the worst thing ever, could that be forgiven?’ ” she recalled.
“He said, ‘As soon as that person committed the act, God has already forgiven him,’ ” she said in an interview.
Two weeks ago, the Sun contacted the father, inquiring whether he knew if his daughter was corresponding with an inmate with whom she wanted a relationship.
The father immediately blurted out: “It’s Paul Bernardo, Oh my God, Oh my God.
“I went to see her last week. And she didn’t deny writing the letters (since February). She said she hadn’t opened the last three letters he had written,” the father said. “We haven’t seen anything.”
It was a few months ago that a friend of the woman noticed something new on her left ankle: A tattoo that read: “Paul’s girl.”
In an interview, the woman insisted the tattoo referred to a high school friend — not Bernardo.
But a friend who knew her since their university days disagreed.
“She did mention she was seeing somebody named Paul, that he had done some time. She made it sound like he was a working accountant in Toronto and they had wedding bands,” the friend revealed.
“She said he told her not to tell her parents they were getting married until after it was over,” the friend said.
“She said it wasn’t really him who did it. He was just there and it was the worst crime you could imagine,” a friend quoted her as saying. “She maintains he’s innocent.”
The woman’s friend was dumbfounded when informed that her friend’s “fiance” was actually one of Canada’s most notorious serial killers and rapists.
“I was aware she was dating someone named Paul, but I didn’t know that it was Paul Bernardo. It’s pretty crazy,” the friend said.
“She’s a really smart girl, but has troubles. It doesn’t completely surprise me she wrote him a letter, but the fact she is actually planning on marrying him ... that’s nuts,” she told the Sun.
Bernardo, 50, is serving a life sentence for the first-degree murders of the two schoolgirls and was also declared a dangerous offender in 1995 after pleading guilty to 32 sex-related crimes, including 12 rapes in the east end of Toronto dating to 1987.
Bernardo turned down a request to be interviewed by the Sun, which was forwarded by Correctional Service Canada.
CSC stated privacy laws dictate it “cannot discuss the specifics of an inmate’s case.”
In Canada, all inmates, with the exception of those on disciplinary restrictions or at risk for family violence or identified as Special Handling Unit cases, are permitted “private family visits” of up to 72 hours duration once every two months.
Eligible visitors include spouses or common-law partners of at least 12 months prior to incarceration; children; parents; foster parents; siblings; grandparents; and “persons with whom, in the opinion of the institutional head, the inmate has a close familial bond.”
During a visit, staff members have regular contact with the inmate and visitors to protect the visitors.
Due to privacy legislation, CSC can neither confirm nor deny any nuptial plans for an inmate.
In e-mails to the Sun, CSC said: “Once an inmate makes a request to marry while incarcerated, the institutional management along with the inmate’s case management team will assess the request to make sure it would not pose a risk to the security of the institution, staff and public.
“The institutional head is the authority responsible for determining if a marriage will be accommodated within the facility,” the statement continued.
CSC has “no jurisdiction over whether two people can obtain a marriage licence,” stating marriages are governed by provincial legislation.
An interview request with the decision-maker within CSC was denied.
Bernardo is eligible for day parole on Feb. 17, 2015, and full parole on Feb. 17, 2018, but, due to his notoriety, it’s unlikely he’ll ever be paroled.
As a dangerous offender, Bernardo has no entitlement to statutory release.

I've always known that there were women out there who corresponded with convicts, and I'm aware that serials killers have weird groupies. I've just never thought about in conjunction with this sick puppy.

How can anybody be this stupid?

mentalfloss

+1

#2

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

A Paul Bernardo story?

Well there goes important news.

spaminator

#3

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Bruno Mars - Marry You FULL SONG - YouTube

bruno mars marry you remix - YouTube(external - login to view)

there are sadly many women who are attracted to bad boys.

SLM

+6

#4 Top Rated Post

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by mentalfloss

A Paul Bernardo story?

Well there goes important news.

Oh, I'm sorry, are people not talking about Rob Ford enough for your liking?

Goodness knows we should never even mention something that you're not interested in. What was I thinking?

mentalfloss

+2

#5

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

Oh, I'm sorry, are people not talking about Rob Ford enough for your liking?

Goodness knows we should never even mention something that you're not interested in. What was I thinking?

Paul Bernardo is a criminal in jail.

Rob Ford is a criminal in power.

SLM

+5

#6

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by mentalfloss

Paul Bernardo is a criminal in jail.

Rob Ford is a criminal in power.

That nobody outside of the GTA actually gives a sh*it about aside from an 'oh look at the train wreck' kind of way.

I know it's a difficult concept for you to grasp, but what your world revolves around is not what everyone's world revolves around.

Now, why don't you get busy and post another Ford or Climate Change thread....we may be down to only 2 or 3 of each by this point.

mentalfloss

#7

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Barring the fact that I do post about other things (and that you are factually incorrect about the consequential nature of what you focused on), Paul Bernardo is really no more than celebrity gossip at this point.

spaminator

+3

#8

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

she should be forced to watch the videos in an imax theater. if that doesn't knock some sense into her, I don't know what will.

Nuggler

+5

#9

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

That would be those vids that the cops couldn't find till after Karla brokered a deal with the Crown.

Has to be one of the sickest things ever in Canada.

Not saying there's hasn't been some sick stuff happen, but that whole investigation was flawed, and there's one sick, psychopathic, little maniac, walking free.

Count_Lothian

#10

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

That nobody outside of the GTA actually gives a sh*it about aside from an 'oh look at the train wreck' kind of way.

I know it's a difficult concept for you to grasp, but what your world revolves around is not what everyone's world revolves around.

Actually if you didn't know he has been the talk of late night tv, been on late night tv and the world does indeed know this guy by name.

You couldn't possible being doing that hate toronto center of the universe dance now would you.

jealousy of town is the loss of a life.

Twila

#11

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Clearly this woman is colour blind if she can't see the red flags around this guy.

SLM

#12

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by Twila

Clearly this woman is colour blind if she can't see the red flags around this guy.

I find it disturbing. I know there are incredibly naive and very stupid individuals in the world, but that anyone could be that stupid and naive to buy the 'I'm innocent' line from this guy?!? That's scary stupid.

Twila

#13

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

I find it disturbing. I know there are incredibly naive and very stupid individuals in the world, but that anyone could be that stupid and naive to buy the 'I'm innocent' line from this guy?!? That's scary stupid.

yep. I guess she just doesn't feel special enough. If she can prove to the world that she is right and one of the only ones to be right she'll feel she has value...It's the same need that turns some people into zealots or to cult religions and such.

SLM

#14

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by Twila

yep. I guess she just doesn't feel special enough. If she can prove to the world that she is right and one of the only ones to be right she'll feel she has value...It's the same need that turns some people into zealots or to cult religions and such.

There is also the indignation I feel towards him in this situation. I mean, he's lost right, he's a loser? He's in prison for the horrid, horrid acts he committed. So he should remain a loser, and not be able to use and abuse anyone else, ever again. That he's even able to get this close to it just feels so wrong.

Twila

#15

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

There is also the indignation I feel towards him in this situation. I mean, he's lost right, he's a loser? He's in prison for the horrid, horrid acts he committed. So he should remain a loser, and not be able to use and abuse anyone else, ever again. That he's even able to get this close to it just feels so wrong.

I would have thought that he'd have an approved list of mail he can receive. Maybe it's something the "corrections" system should consider. He has no need to be contacted or be contacted by any women. He is a threat and clearly a higher education is no defense.

WLDB

+1

#16

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

Paul Bernardo to marry?

I've always known that there were women out there who corresponded with convicts, and I'm aware that serials killers have weird groupies. I've just never thought about in conjunction with this sick puppy.

How can anybody be this stupid?

Keep in mind it was his former wife who helped him commit the murders. Im sure there are plenty of other screwed up women who like that, just as there are men. Its not really new. A lot of serial killers get the equivalent of 'fan mail' and marriage proposals all the time and have for decades.

Quote: Originally Posted by spaminator

she should be forced to watch the videos in an imax theater. if that doesn't knock some sense into her, I don't know what will.

And what if she enjoys it? If she wants to marry the guy chances are she doesn't have a problem with what he did or what he is like.

Twila

+1

#17

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by WLDB

And what if she enjoys it? If she wants to marry the guy chances are she doesn't have a problem with what he did or what he is like.

oh geez, I hadn't even considered that she may have some fantasies of this stripe. It's totally possible. I guess if she continues on with her relationship with him regardless of what her families have said then it's a real possiblity...

WLDB

+1

#18

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

There is also the indignation I feel towards him in this situation. I mean, he's lost right, he's a loser? He's in prison for the horrid, horrid acts he committed. So he should remain a loser, and not be able to use and abuse anyone else, ever again. That he's even able to get this close to it just feels so wrong.

He can't touch her. Chances are he will never come into physical contact with her. He may be able to manipulate or or emotionally abuse her but I doubt he can without some sort of authority knowing about it and intervening. As for this woman's taste in men - well, part of giving people freedom is giving them the freedom to make f*cked up decisions. I don't really understand why anyone bothers to get married in jail if they know they will never get out. Hell even people on death row have gotten married. I don't see the point, but then again preventing it doesn't really do anything either.

Twila

#19

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by WLDB

He can't touch her. Chances are he will never come into physical contact with her. He may be able to manipulate or or emotionally abuse her but I doubt he can without some sort of authority knowing about it and intervening. As for this woman's taste in men - well, part of giving people freedom is giving them the freedom to make f*cked up decisions. I don't really understand why anyone bothers to get married in jail if they know they will never get out. Hell even people on death row have gotten married. I don't see the point, but then again preventing it doesn't really do anything either.

If he marries her then he can have conjugal visits.

coldstream

#20

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

I think Bernardo was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence as a 'Dangerous Offender', which means he's not getting out on parole even after the 25 year minimum sentence is served unless he's deemed to be NO threat to the public. You know that's never going to happen. And as far as i'm aware there are no Congugal Visits in the Canadian penal system.

Twila

#21

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by coldstream

I think Bernardo was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence, which means he's not getting out on parole even after the 25 year minimum sentence is served. And as far as i'm aware there are no Congugal Visits in the Canadian penal system.

There are. With federal time, not provincial time

coldstream

#22

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by Twila

There are. With federal time, not provincial time

Well then what is Bernardo serving?

I know he applied for Medium Security status some time ago... which results in tangibly better living conditions.. but was denied, although he's been a 'model' inmate.

WLDB

#23

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by coldstream

Well then what is Bernardo serving?

Federal. Anything over a couple years is federal. Also he was charged with murder which also falls under federal jurisdiction.

I take back what I said - i just read that she thinks he is innocent. Very strange, did he even deny it afterwards? I don't recall.

Twila

#24

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by coldstream

Well then what is Bernardo serving?

I know he applied for Medium Security status some time ago... which results in tangibly better living conditions.. but was denied, although he's been a 'model' inmate.

He got federal time.

Conditions of access for conjugal visits in OntarioPrivate Family Visits in Canada, Between Rehabilitation and Stricter Control: Portrait of a System(external - login to view)

1.3 Conditions of Access
14Since the object of these visits is to maintain both relations within the couple and family and social ties, these programs are open to everyone in the prisoner’s entourage. Potential visitors include not only family members in the broadest acceptation – spouses, common-law partners3, children, parents, foster-parents, siblings, grandparents, and persons with whom, in the opinion of the institutional head, the inmate has a close familial bond – but also anyone else in the community with whom it is clearly established that the offender has a strong relationship irrespective of any family tie.

15The private family visit program is open to all inmates incarcerated in a federal prison independently of its level of security, except for those in a special detention unit4. However, some prisoners may be barred from the program, either because there is a risk of family or conjugal violence, or because they have access to other programs for maintaining family ties, particularly unsupervised leaves. Also, if there seems to be some potential danger or if the inmate is found guilty of a disciplinary offense threatening safety within the facility – such as introducing prohibited objects, possession of weapons or of instruments susceptible of use for escape or taking a hostage – during the previous private family visit, he loses his right to the program.

16Authorization is delivered by the head of the facility following recommendation by the probation officer in charge of the inmate. Before any private family visit, a request for admission must be filed. Security screening is then done, and repeated every 2 years. At the same time, the visitor must sign a “statement of voluntary participation and consent” and meet with the officer in charge of the case, who determines whether the person is fully, entirely willing to participate in this type of visit and is not under any pressure to do so. The same officer evaluates whether “the relationship is well-grounded, stable and beneficial”. To do so she considers all available information, especially using investigations within the community and the family, and among neighbors or any employer of the offender as well of as his visitors. Last, following each private family visit, a staff member meets the visitors to make sure the visit went well.

Count_Lothian

#25

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

The last time he was in the news was due to corrections Canada removing someone who was bothering him and Russell Williams in their cell block. They complained about the latest murderer to enter their detention area annoying them.
Corrections Canada complied, making their lives more comfy.

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by mentalfloss

Barring the fact that I do post about other things (and that you are factually incorrect about the consequential nature of what you focused on), Paul Bernardo is really no more than celebrity gossip at this point.

So is Rob Ford

petros

+1

#27

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by WLDB

Federal. Anything over a couple years is federal. Also he was charged with murder which also falls under federal jurisdiction.

I take back what I said - i just read that she thinks he is innocent. Very strange, did he even deny it afterwards? I don't recall.

He blamed Homolka because she ratted him out. He never accepted guilt and neither did she. My gal tended to Homolka in a forensics unit. She is a true 5 Star Nut Bar. Crazy bitch.

Praxius

+2

#28

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 3rd, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by Twila

Clearly this woman is colour blind if she can't see the red flags around this guy.

Everybody has their kinks. Maybe she's into Bad Boys.

Rob Ford's a bad boy too.... "Grab a fold" as they say.

JLM

+1

#29

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 4th, 2014

Quote: Originally Posted by Twila

oh geez, I hadn't even considered that she may have some fantasies of this stripe. It's totally possible. I guess if she continues on with her relationship with him regardless of what her families have said then it's a real possiblity...

I guess with some people if they can't get fame, infamy will do!

mentalfloss

+3

#30

Re: This Just Makes Me Feel Sick

Jul 4th, 2014

Toronto Sun last month:

"At the Toronto Sun, we pride ourselves on taking higher moral ground and journalistic integrity. That's why we've decided not to reveal the name of that wacky, Moncton killer redneck guy!"